Up to now, we’ve looked at what happens to the animals that people eat. We’ve completely demolished the myths about vegetarianism and exposed the truth about the impact of meat-eating on the planet and on people’s health.

But what about the practicalities of actually going, being and staying veggies? This section looks at how being veggie fits in with everything else in our lives, including the situation at home and at school with parents, teachers and friends.

When I first became a vegetarian, I couldn’t believe it when I told people the truth about eating meat and they didn’t seem to listen. Often it turned out that people believed what I was saying, but that they just didn’t want to do anything about it. The good news is that these days more and more people do care and are changing – that’s why vegetarianism is growing so rapidly all over the world. In Britain alone, over 5 million people are vegetarian or vegan – and over half a million of them are under 18 years old.

All the same, if you’ve never been veggies before, it can feel like a big step. What impact will it have on what you eat, what you do, who you do it with and where you hang out? Never fear! We look at the first steps for virgin veggies in the first chapter of this section.

And if you’re veggie already, this section also gives the low-down on how to explain and convince others of your point of view. (Happily, the days of young people being seen but not heard have long gone!) It also explores some common dilemmas – like whether or not to snog a meatie – and looks at the best ways of dealing with aggro . . . whoever it’s from! Best of all this section helps you make the most of what you know and gives you all the support you need to stand up for what you believe.